What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "May one use the church hall as a space to invite guests for missionary reasons and eat together there?"
Answer
In the present writings it is emphasized that Christ reached people through personal contact, by participating in their daily affairs and meeting their needs. Nevertheless, a warning is given against using the church for secular celebrations or for raising money through meals, as this often leads to spiritual superficiality.
Missionary hospitality is expressly recommended, with the focus on gaining trust and serving the neighbor rather than mere entertainment. True mission occurs through personal interest and compassion, as Jesus demonstrated in various places, including private homes and public venues.
Christ reached hearts through personal contact
»Jesus saw in every soul someone to whom the call to His kingdom must be given. He reached the hearts of people by going among them as one who wished them well. He sought them in public streets, in private homes, on boats, in the synagogue, on the shores of the lake, and at the wedding feast. He met them in their daily tasks and showed interest in their worldly affairs.«
Warning against church feasts for entertainment or fundraising
»Then and there this modern feasting in churches began, which has developed into “crazy social evenings,” “wonder bags,” “fish ponds,” “kiss games,” and so on. This aspect of banquet dining in churches has grown to the point that a modern church building today no longer meets the standard unless it has a kitchen, a pantry, and a dining hall. This condition is what began in the “time of delay,” as described in the parable.«
Christ's method as the key to success
»Christ's method alone will bring true success in reaching people. The Savior mixed among the people as one who sought their welfare. He showed compassion for them, served their needs, and gained their trust. Then He invited them: “Follow me.” We must approach people through personal effort.«
Hospitality as a Christian example
»“Being hospitable” is among the characteristics that the Holy Spirit has set for those who are to bear responsibility in the church. And the entire congregation is given the command: “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. Serve one another, each with the gift he has received, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” These admonitions have, strangely, been neglected.«
- Missionary hospitality Ellen White
- Christ's method to reach people
- Warning against church feasts for fundraising
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.
My hope is that this tool supports personal Bible study, strengthens trust in the original sources, and helps more people discover the message of these writings with clarity, depth, and joy.
